House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said that “[w]e remain optimistic that we will reach an agreement” on a debt deal in a statement released Tuesday in advance of meeting with the “Fix the Debt” coalition:
“We look forward to hearing from voices across the private sector as we work together to reach a balanced agreement that creates jobs, grows the economy, and reduces the deficit.
“Members of Congress can act to ensure job creation now by extending the middle class tax cuts without further delay. House Democrats are ready to vote for this legislation; the Senate has already passed it; and President Obama is prepared to sign it into law. Taking this action would put money in the pockets of consumers and provide certainty to working families as we approach the holiday season. Failure to act now will stop our recovery in its tracks and threaten the jobs of millions of working Americans.
“As we chart a path forward to address our economic and fiscal challenges, we must offer security and stability to the middle class, and promote growth and job creation, while asking the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share. We remain optimistic that we will reach an agreement, but there’s no time to waste.”
